Opportunity: Tenure-Track Position in Plant Resilience at Michigan State University

The Department of Horticulture and the Plant Resilience Institute invite applications for an Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor tenure system position from individuals using innovative experimental approaches to study fundamental and applied plant responses to the environment with a focus on abiotic and biotic constraints relevant to horticultural crop productivity. This position is part of MSU’s Global Impact Initiative (research.msu.edu/global-impact/), designed to address grand challenges through the creation of over 100 new faculty positions in some of the most promising and exciting fields of research. MSU has a world-class plant science community and support infrastructure comprising more than 150 faculty members conducting a wide range of plant research spanning the lab-to-field continuum in both agricultural and natural ecosystems. The Department of Horticulture at MSU (www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/) is a leader in basic and applied plant science research for horticultural crops, with over 40 faculty members engaged in research ranging from sustainable agriculture and marketing to breeding, genomics and biochemistry.

The mission of the Plant Resilience Institute (PRI; www.canr.msu.edu) is to conduct basic laboratory and field research on plant resilience with the goal of improving the productivity and nutritional quality of crop plants. Research programs center on mechanisms that enhance plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses associated with changing environmental conditions. The PRI is an interdisciplinary cross-departmental program, with PRI members belonging to a range of home departments.

In addition to appointment in the Department of Horticulture and affiliation with PRI, the candidate could be jointly appointed with one or more academic units/programs on campus including the departments of Plant Biology; Computational, Mathematics, Science & Engineering; Forestry; Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; and MSU AgBioResearch.

We seek applicants with expertise in any area related to plant resilience in horticultural crops including, but not limited to, the impacts of temperature extremes (e.g., low and high temperatures), water stress, plant-microbe/herbivore/plant interactions, and other environmental factors influencing key aspects of crop development and production (e.g., growth cycle/dormancy regulation, nutrient utilization, plant-rhizosphere/-phyllosphere interactions, elevated CO2 level, and gene editing). Candidates who work collaboratively and whose research program integrates a broad spectrum of molecular, cellular and whole plant technologies are especially encouraged to apply.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience, a strong record of research accomplishments. Qualified applicants should submit an application including a cover letter; curriculum vitae; summary of research accomplishments and future research objectives; description of teaching experience and interests; summary of experience or philosophy fostering diversity and inclusion in your professional career; and contact information (name, address, e-mail and phone) for three references. The complete application package should be compiled into a single PDF document and submitted through the MSU Human Resources site at http://careers.msu.edu/ (posting #529343). Review of applications will begin October 15, 2018 and continue until the position is filled. Questions can be directed to Professor Ning Jiang, Search Chair, at jiangn@msu.edu.

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. A member of the Association of American Universities, MSU is a research-intensive institution with 17 degree-granting colleges.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer and is committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities. MSU is committed to providing a work environment that supports employees’ work and personal life, and offers employment assistance to the spouse or partner of candidates for faculty and academic staff positions.